CDA® Credential

CDA Credential video is available for free. This video will give you an overview of the process. After watching the video, you can register for classes to begin working toward earning your CDA®. Please review the CDA® Renewal requirements.

What is the Child Development Associate® National Credentialing Program?

The CDA National Credentialing Program is a professional development opportunity for early educators. These educators work with children ages birth to 5 years old to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in the early childhood education field.

CDA Credential Offered for Three Child Care Settings

• CENTER-BASED CHILD CARE: A center-based program must have: (1) at least 10 children enrolled in the program (not necessarily in the Candidate’s group), and (2) at least two caregivers working with the children on a regular basis.
  • PRESCHOOL: A center-based preschool setting is a state-approved child development center. A Candidate can be observed working with a group of at least eight children, all of whom are ages 3 through 5 years old.
  • INFANT-TODDLER: A center-based infant-toddler setting is a state-approved child development center. A Candidate can be observed working with a group of at least three children. All of the children are under the age of 3 years old.
• FAMILY CHILD CARE: A family child care setting is a family child care home. It is where a Candidate can be observed working with at least two children 5 years old or younger who are not related to the Candidate by blood or marriage. The setting must meet at least the minimum level of applicable state and/or local regulations. Family child care settings are also eligible in localities where there is no regulation of family child care.
• HOME VISITOR: A home visitor setting is an established program of home visits (to families with children 5 years old or younger). It supports parents in meeting the needs of their young children. In this setting, regular home visits are the primary method of program delivery. Candidates for a Home Visitor credential follow a slightly different assessment process. For information on how to earn a Home Visitor CDA Credential, click here.